Photo: Eroll Popova

April 12, 2007

Photo: Eroll Popova

Photo: Eroll Popova

Photo: Sauerland Event

Photo: Eroll Popova

Photo: Eroll Popova

Photo: Eroll Popova

Today, two days before his first mandatory defense, the tension was on full burn as WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev and top challanger Ruslan Chagaev faced off at the pre-fight press conference at the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart.

After a "very good" training camp, WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev said he feels "topfit and ready." The unbeaten 33-year-old seven-footer stated that "...directly after the fight against Jameel McCline, I started into the preparation. We have taken a lot of time. I am very much up to scratch."

Valuev's promoter Wilfried Sauerland praised Nikolai's excellent condition. "He will have his lightest weight in many years," said Sauerland. "This points to the intensity in which he has prepared in training. I'm sure that he will win."

"Usually Nikolai's opponents are smaller anyway," said Valuev's trainer Manny Gabrielian. "We didn't have to change anything. To us it makes no difference whether we face a large or small opponent."

Chagaev didn't appear impressed by Valuev's physical attributes. "Whether large or small, this is not important for me. I have a goal. I want to become a world champion."

Chagaev's promoter Klaus-Peter Kohl is glad about a "quite special fight that polarizes" and he sees the pressure on the champion. "It concerns his first mandatory defense, this is always something special."

According to Chagaev's trainer Michael Timm, nothing was left to chance. "For sparring we had half an NBA team," he joked. "It will be twelve rounds long and a hard fight."

After some delay, promoter Don King arrived directly from the airport. The legendary promoter could not hide his joy about the spectacle on Saturday. "This will be an unbelievable duel," stated King. "I should ask for a special greeting Vladimir Putin. He'll be watching the fight and he hopes that Nikolai will bring the title back to Russia. I believe in Nikolai – he is the eighth Wonder of the World. He is a giant with a gigantic heart."

According to Sauerland sports manager Hagen Doering the fight (which will be seen in 64 countries and on all continents) has a solid undercard. "Oleg Platov will defend his IBF intercontinental belt against Australian Colin Wilson," said Doering. "Also young talents Alexander Frenkel, René Dettweiler and Francesco Pianeta will rise into the ring....and Dominik Britsch from Neckarsulm will have a home match."

There are still tickets available for the card. Call the ticket hotline at +0711-2 55 55 55, or order online at easyticket.de or and at the Porsche Arena box office which opens at 4PM.